First batch of tribal women rolls up sleeves to drive ST buses

TNN | Updated: Aug 18, 2019, 6:01 IST

Anusuya Madavi (31) shows off her learner’s driving licence. She was a daily wage labourer until recently and ...Read More

YAVATMAL: Her slender hands firmly manoeuvre the steering wheel of the rusty blue training bus. As Anusuya Madavi (31) cruises along the narrow, ribbony road in Yavatmal, dressed in a smart khaki uniform, it is hard to believe that until recently she was a daily wage labourer in a Vidarbha village. Anusuya is one of the 21 tribal women who comprise the first batch of female ST bus drivers. They are currently undergoing training.

21 women drivers have begun practical on-road training in August after six months of theory lessons“I had no dreams, no ambition,” says Madavi. “One day, my son returned from school and asked me what I wanted to become. I had no answer. In fact, I’d never ever thought I could be someone.” A few years ago, she was not even confident of crossing a street in Yavatmal town. “Now, after six months of training, here I am learning to drive an ST bus,” she says with a grin. Most of these women had never occupied a driver’s seat until now. Today, they flaunt a learner’s licence for a heavy vehicle. Within a month, each will apply for a permanent licence. They have had theory lessons for the past six months; on-road training began in August, during which they will cover 750km across different terrain—hilly areas, ghats and forested patches. Sometimes at night too. Pooja Nehtam (27) had her three-month-old in tow when she attended theory classes. “With two kids, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take up this job. But my husband supported me. He got me a form and asked me if I wanted to apply,” said Nehtam. “The day I drive the huge red bus will be a proud moment for my family.” Equally content is the state transport agency’s senior trainer Rajendra Madavi. He has 30 years of experience in the field but never trained women before. “I have to keep reminding myself not to use expletives... All along, I have only trained men,” he said, appreciating his students’ eagerness to learn. The state transport body has already paved the way for women to foray into driving. With special women’s restrooms and washrooms at most bus depots, the women said they are ready to face professional challenges on the field.

State transport minister Diwakar Raote, who took the initiative to induct women drivers in the fleet, says the second batch of female drivers will have 142 candidates. “I want to empower women... And I’m confident that with the right training, the ride will be smooth,” he says. Such support notwithstanding, the women faced challenges. Like Jyotsna Thakre (26) who had to convince her parents to take up this “unusual, demanding” job. A double post-graduate in political science and sociology, Thakre rejected two marriage proposals as the suitors’ families would not accept a woman with an ST driver’s job. Sheetal Pawar (23) echoes the view. Her desire to drive a bus has upset her mother. “My financé’s family objected initially but came around eventually.” What irks Pawar are naysayers who ask if a woman “will be able” to drive a bus. “If women can run a house, why should this job be tough,” she asks as she adjusts the rearview mirror. The ride will be bumpy but Pawar knows her way.